Tour Overview
Start your day with a spectacular Arizona sunrise in the Sonoran Desert. Ascend the switchbacks to a mountain saddle with an expert local guide and take in incredible early-morning views of the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Camelback Mountain as the desert wakes around you.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Tour Highlights
- Spectacular Sunrise Views: Watch the sun come up over the Valley of the Sun from a mountain saddle, with views of Piestewa Peak, Camelback Mountain, and the surrounding desert range.
- Tailored to You: Go at your own speed - we customize the hike to your mileage, terrain, and grade preferences. Fun for hikers of any skill level.
- Sonoran Desert Ecology: Explore the geology, plants, and animals of the most diverse desert in North America with an expert local guide.
- Viewpoint Break: Relax at an incredible sunrise viewpoint with trail snacks and beverages provided by your guide.
- Insider Payoff: Our pro guides will show you secrets of the area that only a few know about.
Tour Itinerary
Your adventure begins before dawn, timed to the season's sunrise. Your guide will contact you ahead of the tour with the exact meetup location - rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drop-off and pick-up is available.
Hike for about two hours through the Sonoran Desert at an easy-to-moderate pace. We ascend the switchbacks to a mountain saddle as the desert stretches out for more than 40 miles to the west, catching first light over the Valley of the Sun.
At the viewpoint, relax with trail snacks and beverages while the desert wakes up around you. Headlamps are provided for the pre-dawn start, so all you need to do is enjoy the show.
Pricing
Solo hiker: $195
2–3 hikers: $125 per person
4–10 hikers: $99 per person
For parties of more than 10, please contact us for group rates.
Groups of 8+ incur an automatic 15% gratuity.
All tours are subject to an 8.1% tax.
Guide gratuity is not included.
Requirements
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Minimum Age: 8 years old.
- Walking: Approximately 2 hours on natural-surface trails.
- Attire: Closed-toe footwear such as running, cross-training, or hiking shoes. No sandals, please.
What's Included
- Guide: Expert, professional guide with Wilderness First Responder or EMT certification.
- Gear: Lightweight backpacks and headlamps to use.
- Hydration: Bottles of purified water.
- Snacks: Healthy trail snacks - dietary preferences can be accommodated.
- Fees: Any admission fees to parks or preserves.
- Refreshments: Beverages following your adventure.
What to Bring
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes (running, cross-training, or hiking shoes).
- Clothing: Long-sleeved layers for sun protection and chilly morning temps.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses and a hat or cap.
- Camera: First light on the desert is made for landscape photos.
Season & Departure Times
This tour operates year-round. Departures run between 4:30 and 6:30 AM depending on the season, timed to catch the sunrise. Typical duration is 2 hours.
Important Notes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please book in advance to ensure guide availability. Please call for children under 8 or for groups larger than 12.